(Las Vegas) Still looking for a first goal since the start of the National Hockey League playoffs, Shea Theodore found the back of the net when the Vegas Golden Knights needed it on Saturday night.

With the score 1-1 midway through the second period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Theodore received a pass while on one side of the blue line before slipping on the other side.

Skillfully, he then got rid of the close surveillance of Anthony Duclair, presented himself at the top of the enclave and deceived the vigilance of goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky with a shot from the wrists from the side glove.

It was a game piece like Theodore has often made. And she has arrived at a crucial stage in the confrontation.

Theodore’s goal generated energy among the spectators and, more importantly, among his team. Theodore also picked up an assist in the Golden Knights’ 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers, which was something of a show of redemption for the 27-year-old defenseman.

“He’s one of our best players,” said teammate Jonathan Marchessault.

“You need 20 guys every night to win this time of year. It was a good team effort tonight [Saturday] and Shea took charge today. He’s one of those players who stepped up tonight and I’m really happy to see that he got on the scoresheet. »

Theodore ended a 27-game drought without scoring a goal. His last net dated back to March 7, on the Panthers rink. In career, he now has 15 goals in playoff games.

“I have a feeling a lot of us were more comfortable tonight. It showed in our game, from the way we attacked and the way we avoided scrums after the whistles. And, I guess, on the score sheet too,” added Theodore.

The defender came out of the shadows at the perfect time because during the first three rounds of the playoffs, he did not necessarily look like the player we are used to seeing.

Before the start of the final, he had seven assists and was averaging one shot on goal for every 12 appearances on the ice. On Saturday, he averaged at least one shot in every eight outings.

He finished the game among the best on his team in shot attempts for, compared to attempts allowed to the Panthers.

“Shea is a very important part of our squad,” Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel said.

“It was nice to see him get rewarded, but he does so much more for us. And the way he carries the puck, he can, on occasion, provoke a counterattack on his own.

“He was in a bit of a drought, and I’m sure it feels good to have it ended. Let’s hope it gives a boost to his game in the next games. »